Telemetry

During the first month after orbit insertion, CSSWE will transmit a beacon once every 18 seconds. CSSWE uses an amateur frequency band, so this beacon can be heard by any amateur radio operator. The CSSWE team has created a beacon decoding software package to allow amateur operators to collect satellite beacons themselves – see below for instructions to download and run the package. The following list will ensure amateur operators are prepared to hear CSSWE:

Beacon Decoding Software

General

CSSWE telemetry display

This package encapsulates all the software necessary to capture, display, and upload telemetry data from CSSWE in real time!

The software package consists of two parts:

Serial Port to TCP Socket Forwarding – This program forwards all serial data to an internet-enabled TCP socket. This software should reside on the computer physically connected to the TNC. All incoming data is stored locally if an internet connection is not available.This program is based on example code provided by the pySerial project. It is released under the free Python License. Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux

GS Computer Connected to TNC

Navigate to the GS software directory in Windows Explorer and double-click on setup_pyserial.bat. This installs serial drivers so that Python can connect to the serial-based TNC. A command prompt will appear. Verify that no errors have occurred.

Open run_serial_to_tcp.batin a text editor (Notepad, WordPad, etc.) and enter the serial port parameters specific to the connected TNC:

Type ./run_gs_client.sh. A summary window should pop up displaying all of the relevant datapoints.

Now you are ready to start receiving beacons! When the TNC receives a valid packet, it should be relayed to the beacon decoding client, displaying live telemetry points to your screen!

Disclaimer

The CSSWE beacon decoding software package is provided by the University of Colorado “as is” and “with all faults.” The University of Colorado makes no representations or warranties of any kind concerning the safety, suitability, lack of viruses, inaccuracies, typographical errors, or other harmful components of this beacon decoding software package. There are inherent dangers in the use of any software, and you are solely responsible for determining whether this beacon decoding software is compatible with your equipment and other software installed on your equipment. You are also solely responsible for the protection of your equipment and backup of your data, and the University of Colorado will not be liable for any damages you may suffer in connection with using, modifying, or distributing this beacon decoding software package. In downloading and running this software, you agree to accept the risks outlined in this disclaimer.